Final preparations are under way to welcome the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Congress to the Radisson Blu Hotel, Yas Island on 25-27 September. With a keynote opening address from H.E. Dr Abdullah Ghareeb Al Bloushi, Executive Director Municipal Affairs at Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipal Affairs, that will shed light on emerging infrastructure development and investment opportunities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the event promises to be a pivotal meeting point for government and private sector stakeholders in the development of infrastructure for Abu Dhabi.

As the Congress approaches, H.E. Engineer Ahmed Shareef, Undersecretary of the Department of Municipal Affairs for Abu Dhabi has expressed his support for the Congress: “The Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Congress 2011 forms a great opportunity to shed the light on the economic and development process the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is witnessing and focuses on the infrastructure projects and business opportunities in different sectors of the economy. These infrastructure projects realize the ambitious vision of the leadership and its objectives by achieving a sustainable economic development and enhancing services to the public and businesses in the Emirate. Under the direction of the Executive Council The department of Municipal Affairs (DMA) and the Emirate’s 3 Municipalities as well as our partners, Department of Transport, Urban Planning Council, Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity, Mubadala, and the private sector developers collaboratively play a very important role in laying down the legislative and planning ground for achieving a first class infrastructure which enables the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to achieve its economic diversification and long term objectives to be one of the best places in the world to live, work and visit.”

Under the esteemed patronage of the Department of Municipal Affairs, the Congress will feature keenly anticipated contributions from the Urban Planning Council, Mubadala Infrastructure, Abu Dhabi Municipality, Shams Power Company (a subsidiary of Masdar Power), Abu Dhabi Ports Company, Western Region Development Council and the PPP unit of the Prime Minister’s department of Malaysia among others.

The event is sponsored by Clyde & Co who will be sharing their extensive expertise in infrastructure, project and construction law during the event alongside a well placed mix of international experts. Speaking about the importance of infrastructure projects in Abu Dhabi, David McElveney, Partner – Projects and Construction, Clyde & Co commented:

“With real estate activity generally down, infrastructure projects have become the main driver of construction activity in the region – this is particularly so in Abu Dhabi, as well as in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The Abu Dhabi government remains committed to developing transportation networks, and power and water facilities.

At the same time, a range of social, political and economic developments internationally, together with greater circumspection in the market, means that risk is very much on the agenda. Everyone is moving towards more considered contracting arrangements and risk minimisation. That is obviously a good thing. Clyde & Co has particular expertise in the areas of infrastructure, projects and construction coupled with an uncompromising commitment to Abu Dhabi and the region.”

The Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Congress provides a timely opportunity to share upcoming development plans and opportunities as well as discuss and debate emerging trends.